USPS tests digital version of Operation Santa

A trio of “elves” — USPS retirees, from left, Mary Crayton, Nina Marshall and Iris Goddis-Hazel — offer their assistance at the recent Operation Santa kickoff in New York City.

Operation Santa is going digital

The popular program, which began in 1912, allows Postal Service employees and customers to help people in need by “adopting” their letters to Santa Claus and granting their holiday wishes.

This year, USPS will test a digital version of the program that will allow participants to go online to search, read and adopt letters.

“After 105 years of answering children’s letters to Santa, we’re thrilled to pilot a new, more convenient way to participate in the program in New York City,” said Brand Marketing Executive Director Chris Karpenko.

The Postal Service announced the pilot Dec. 1 at the James A. Farley Post Office in Manhattan, where Operation Santa began. The office receives about 500,000 letters each year.

While the digital pilot is only available in New York City, several facilities across the nation will continue to operate traditional versions of the program throughout the holidays.